The Essential Guide To Hosting A Bridal Shower - The Fashion To Follow (2024)

Image Source: Pinterest

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It’s wedding season and that means BRIDAL SHOWERS! I have been wanting to write this post for awhile, but kept putting it off. A little Pinterest browsing sesh got me reinspired. I hosted a bridal shower 5 years ago (5 years?!) and just found the photos of the mimosa bar, cupcake dress, chocolate-covered tuxedo strawberries, and tablescape. My thought was to use them for this post. Let’s just say that indoor lighting does not create the most compelling, Pinterset-worthy images (but hey it was 5 years ago and I didn’t know what I was doing when it came to taking blog pics) — so I’ve reverted to using images from Pinterest. I hope this helps inspire you!

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Who doesn’t love a mimosa bar?! The bar concept is probably the easiest and cutest setup for any type of party.

Set out a selection of juices + champagnes + berries. I love theSimply Brand juices because they are delicious.

You can also freeze fruit or petals in ice cubes.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STYLECASTER/SMARTYHADAPARTY

Image Source: Pinterest

Not into mimosas? A few ideas other ideas are below, including yogurt parfaits, waffles, and avocado toast bars.

Self-Serve Yogurt Bar

Image Source: Pinterest

The Key To A Great Setup: Layer, Layer, Layer

Make your spread look extra fancy by following these tricks:

Vary heights to create a beautiful spread. Play with tiered trays, cake stands, vases, balloons, andcandle pillars to create a dynamic tablescape.
Pick one tone (i.e. all white, silver, or gold)
Add flowers. They make everything pretty!
Does the wedding have a hashtag? Write it out with non-helium foil letter balloons and hang it on the wall behind the spread. Or hang words like “love” or “cheers“.

Image Source:Pinterest

Image Source: The Perfect Palette

Image Source: Sugar and Cloth

Source: https://www.strawberrychicblog.com/2018/02/hosting-bridal-shower.htmlPinterest

Balloons, streamers, and paper poms can be placed above the dessert bar, at the entry, outside the house, or serve as a backdrop for photos. This “love” balloonpackisagreatdeal and would be perfect for a shower.

The Essential Guide To Hosting A Bridal Shower - The Fashion To Follow (34)

Here’s a great photo wall balloon kit

The Essential Guide To Hosting A Bridal Shower - The Fashion To Follow (35)

These folding chair and table sets are a must-have for any party!

Setup a Photobooth & Print Out The Photos To Include In A Guestbook

Have everyone take instant photos of themselves, print them, and add them to the guestbook. This KiiPix Smartphone Camera allows you to print out iPhone photos on Instax film and it’s under $40. Setup a selfie photobooth and place a table nearby where they can print out photos, paste them in a blank guestbook and write a nice message, marriage advice, or a favorite memory of them and the bride. A book filled with favorite memories would make an amazing gift for the bride-to-be!

This phone photo printer is only $40.

You could also use an Instax or Polariod camera. This one prints on sticky-backed photo paper.

Let The Dessert Do The Talking With Bridal-Themed Sweets

Cupcake Dress (from a shower I hosted)

I had asked the bakery (Borracchini’s in Seattle) to make this and just showed them a photo of what I had in mind. It’s such a cute concept and really adds to the setup.

From the shower I hosted in 2013: I asked the bakery to make a cupcake dress and this is what they did! 🙂

Bridal Games

So you have the food and drinks down — now for the games. Bridal showers are notorious for games, from “How Well Does The Bride Know The Groom” to “What’s In Your Purse“.

I created this one which you can purchase for $2 and print as many copies as you’d like.

Check Amazon for more bridal shower games.

Don’t Forget The Party Favors!

The best party favors are ones you can actually use and don’t become clutter. A few simple ideas:

Pretty bridal nail polish
Succulents (this set of 20 is a good deal)
Mini liquor bottles/champagne bottles
Volupsa candles

Pretty Bridal Nail Polish – Nail polish is a great party favor that guests will use and love! You can even add tulle to the top and make it look like a cute bridal veil like we did for a more recent shower.